d+a | Issue 126 • 2022

39 “We needed to expand the existing reception spaces in order to house all of the new departments that we identified as linked to the reception. To this end, we offered to preserve as much of the existing architecture as possible and to connect a new extension on the historical buildings’ facade on a second floor. This new building needed to be welcoming both in its shape and atmosphere, while linking the several and disparate existing buildings that opened onto the forecourt-level public space. In short, the goal was to unify and highlight the headquarters’ only public entrance,” says Delon. A 160m-tall façade, which serves as both a barrier and a path between the indoor and outdoor spaces was created. This façade includes a massive, peripheral awning that morphs to indicate the front doors at its centre, leading to a stately and luminous hall. “This awning features heterogeneous buildings and takes on the task of welcoming thousands of visitors that come to Place des Carmes every day. The tree-lined plaza extends to Place des Carmes and beyond, all the way to the tramway station